3 matchups the Vikings need to win in Week 3 vs. the Chargers
By Clay Vasquez
Matchup No. 1
Alexander Mattison vs. Everyone
Recently, the Vikings made a trade with the Los Angeles Rams for running back Cam Akers, a player with whom Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell is well acquainted, as they won a Super Bowl together in 2021 with the Rams.
Akers will not play this upcoming Sunday, so that means this is probably the last chance for Vikings running back Alexander Mattison to redeem himself and exorcise the demons.
If Mattison struggles again this week against the Chargers, that would open the door for Akers to usurp him and once again leave Mattison as a backup.
Not only is this a big game for Mattison's sake, but Minnesota greatly needs at least some kind of help from the ground game this week.
The Vikings are one of two NFL teams currently without 100 total rushing yards this season, putting them in a miserable position. There is a lot riding on the ground game this weekend, and it all starts with No. 2.